Torrance Diamond Diagnostic Services (TDDS), a leading veterinary clinical pathology firm have commissioned their own bespoke new ‘grow-on’ building at the Exeter Science Park.

Andy Torrance, a clinical pathologist and co-founder of TDDS, has been watching the progress of the Science Park from his base at the Innovation Centre, knowing that TDDS would eventually make the move.

Andy said: “We have been based at the University of Exeter’s Innovation Centre since we launched. It has been a fantastic facility for us, and we have taken up more office and lab space as and when we needed it, but we’ve got to the point now where we’re bursting at the seams and require our own building.

He continued: “We’re an innovative, academic and research focused company, our natural home is within a science park, we just needed to wait for exactly the right time. We’re looking forward to joining the Met Office and Science Park Centre tenants on the Park, and to meeting the new tenants that will eventually join us in the neighbouring grow-on space.”

TDDS provide expert, fast-paced and innovative clinical diagnostic services to veterinary practices across the UK. Using an in-house courier service, TDDS receive samples and biopsies from over 350 veterinary practices. The team then study, analyse and diagnose the samples and liaise directly with vets regarding the results and treatment.

Launched in 2001, TDDS started out with four members of staff and on their first day of business they analysed one sample each. Now, the team of over 40 technicians, pathologists, managers and couriers assist with the analysis of more than 450 samples each day.

Over the past year, TDDS has achieved 20% growth and is recognised within the industry for outstanding expertise in many areas of pathology, including cytology, haematology and histopathology and toxicity.

Andy and his business partner have worked hard to build a team of experts, which has positioned TDDS as the market leader. Andy said: “In our sector we have a reputation for excellence, and our move to Exeter Science Park will no doubt enhance that. We have our own fleet of couriers that bring samples to our labs 24 hours a day, so being located only minutes from the M5, the Exeter Science Park will enable us to provide a far more efficient service for our veterinary practices across the UK.

He continued: “As well as providing an exceptional service for clients, I also want to provide a great working environment for our staff. Our work is incredibly focused and detailed, which means it’s important that we can get outside and enjoy fresh air, green space and a relaxing and comfortable environment. The Exeter Science Park offers all of that and more. Having a bespoke new building has meant that we can consult our staff at every stage of the process, ensuring they have the facilities and equipment they need to do their job comfortably. As a result, all of our staff are hugely excited about the move.”

The new 17,000 sq ft building will be split in two, with TDDS taking 8,500 sq ft, designed to meet their exact specifications. The new headquarters will include open plan pathology labs, bio-security labs, communal and lecture facilities for staff and access points for couriers.

Peter Quincey, Senior Development Manager at the Exeter Science Park said: “We have worked closely with TDDS to ensure the building and the facilities meet their exact needs. We have taken into consideration the workflows, and designed the working space around the needs of the specialist equipment and the requirements of their staff. Everything has been meticulously thought through to give TDDS the best working environment to support their continued growth.”

Construction of the new building will start early in 2017, with completion set for early 2018. Exeter Science Park is match funding TDDS’s contribution, made possible through the Growth Deal 2 funding grant from Heart of South West Local Enterprise Partnership, which will also fund another new 10,000 sq ft grow-on building on the Science Park for prospective new tenants, offering the first speculative office space in Exeter since 2008.

Steve Hindley, Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership said: from the Heart of the South West LEP said: “We are excited to see these new buildings become a reality and provide much needed working space for science and technology businesses. This is a perfect example of the transformational projects that the Growth Deal was designed to deliver. These two new buildings on the Exeter Science Park will provide bespoke new space for several more tenants and no doubt act as a catalyst for growth, creating more jobs and adding to the specialist community on the Park.“

To find out more about TDDS visit www.tddslab.co.uk or follow the team on Twitter @TDDSLAB